VOA Worldwide

Traveltype: Hawaii

Hawaii

4. Hawaii — The Spirit of Aloha at Sea

Why Cruise Hawaii

Cruising Hawaii is a dreamlike fusion of volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and Polynesian culture. Unlike a single-island stay, a Hawaiian cruise lets you wake up each morning in a new paradise — from the Big Island’s lava flows to Maui’s golden beaches. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, all wrapped in warm Aloha hospitality.

Best Time to Cruise

  • Year-round destination: Hawaii enjoys consistent, pleasant weather.
  • Best months: April – October (calm seas, warm temperatures, clear snorkeling waters)
  • Winter months: November – March (whale-watching season, especially near Maui)

Top Cruise Lines & Ships

  • Norwegian Cruise Line – Pride of America: the only large U.S.-flagged ship offering year-round round-trip cruises from Honolulu — visits all four major islands in seven days.
  • Princess Cruises – longer itineraries from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Vancouver.
  • Celebrity Cruises – luxury 10- to 12-night sailings with immersive island experiences.
  • Royal Caribbean – seasonal repositioning voyages connecting Hawaii with Alaska or Australia.
  • VOA Member Favorites: NCL Pride of America and Princess Discovery Princess for best balance of value and luxury.

Top Islands & Highlights

  • Oahu – Pearl Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head hiking trail.
  • Maui – sunrise atop Haleakalā volcano, Road to Hana, whale watching (Dec–Mar).
  • Kauai – the “Garden Isle,” Waimea Canyon, Napali Coast helicopter tours.
  • Big Island (Hawai‘i) – Volcanoes National Park, black-sand beaches, Kona coffee tours.
  • Lanai (select sailings) – private excursions and exclusive snorkeling coves.

VOA Insider Tips

  • Choose a balcony cabin — perfect for morning coffee with ocean views of the islands.
  • Book local shore excursions through VOA for authentic cultural experiences and better value than ship-organized tours.
  • Add a VOA pre-cruise stay in Honolulu or Waikiki for 2–3 nights to explore Oahu in depth.
  • Visit during whale-watching season for unforgettable sightings right from your ship deck.

Why VOA Makes It Better

VOA Worldwide enhances your Hawaiian voyage with:

  • Member-exclusive pricing and savings up to 25% on top cruise lines.
  • Complimentary or discounted pre-/post-cruise hotel nights in Honolulu.
  • Concierge-arranged luau reservations, helicopter tours, and car rentals.
  • Personalized itinerary planning for multi-island stays combining cruises and land vacations.